Jane Dotson
Alaska has a range of medical insurance providers, including private companies and government-backed programs. The state uses the federally run HealthCare.gov Marketplace platform, where plans are offered by two private health insurance companies,
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of private health insurance companies | 2 (Moda and Premera) |
| Health insurance cost without discounts | $968 per month |
| Health insurance cost with income-based discounts | $122 per month |
| Cheapest insurance company in major cities | Moda |
| Cheapest insurance company in rural areas | Premera BCBS |
| Best insurance company for customer service | Premera |
| Types of insurance plans | Individual, family, small-group, short-term, Medicare, and Medicaid |
| Supplemental insurance plans | Dental, vision, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, short-term, term life, and travel medical |
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What You'll Learn
Private health insurance companies in Alaska
In Alaska, there are a variety of health insurance coverage options available, including individual and family plans, small group, short-term, Medicare, and Medicaid. The state uses the federally-run HealthCare.gov Marketplace platform, where plans are offered by two private health insurance companies: Moda and Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS).
Moda offers the cheapest health insurance plans in Alaska's major cities, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. Their Gold plans are affordable, starting at $902 per month, and they don't consider pre-existing conditions when setting rates. However, Moda has been criticised for its poor customer service, receiving more than three times the expected number of complaints for a company of its size.
Premera BCBS, on the other hand, is the most popular health insurance company in Alaska, with over 80% of policies in the state held by the company. They offer a large network of doctors and hospitals, making it easier to find covered medical care, even in rural areas. Premera also has excellent customer service, receiving a third fewer complaints than expected. Their Gold plans are also affordable, costing an average of $968 per month for a 40-year-old in Alaska, which is cheaper than their Silver plans.
In addition to these private companies, Alaska has other health insurance options. The Alaska Comprehensive Health Insurance Association was created by the Alaska State Legislature to provide coverage for residents who are unable to obtain individual health insurance. There is also UnitedHealthcare, which offers Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans, and Golden Rule Insurance Company, which underwrites Accident, Critical Illness, Dental, Fixed Indemnity, Hospital Indemnity, Short-Term, Term Life, and Vision insurance plans.
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Eligibility for financial assistance
Alaska has several health insurance coverage options, including ACA individual and family plans, small-group, short-term, Medicare, and Medicaid. The state uses the federally-run HealthCare.gov Marketplace platform, where plans are offered by two private health insurance companies, Moda and Premera.
If you are seeking eligibility for financial assistance in Alaska, here are some programs and criteria you should know about:
Marketplace Financial Assistance
If you enroll in a health insurance plan through the Marketplace, you may qualify for financial help from the government through an advance premium tax credit. Most Alaska Marketplace enrollees qualify for these subsidies. To be eligible for the Marketplace, you must live in Alaska, be lawfully present in the US, not be incarcerated, and not be enrolled in Medicare. However, eligibility for financial assistance has stricter rules.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF is a federally funded program that helps families facing financial hardship pay for living expenses. It is run differently in each state or tribal territory, with Alaska Native tribes operating their own programs. To qualify for TANF, you generally need to prove financial hardship, and each tribe's program may have different eligibility rules.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP provides monthly payments to low-income Alaskans to help them purchase food. To qualify, you must be a resident of Alaska, a U.S. citizen (with some exceptions), have assets of less than $2,500 for most households ($3,500 for households with a disabled or elderly member), and meet a work requirement if you are able-bodied and between the ages of 16 and 59.
Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP)
ATAP provides cash assistance and work services to low-income families with children to help them meet their basic needs while working towards self-sufficiency. To apply, you must submit a written application to the Division of Public Assistance (DPA) by mail, fax, email, or in person.
Alaska Housing and Finance Corporation Rental Assistance
The Alaska Housing and Finance Corporation offers rental assistance programs with varying eligibility requirements. Some local governments and tribes also have rental and utility assistance programs for households with an emergency need for shelter, utilities, food, clothing, or burial expenses and very limited resources.
Other Resources
Other programs in Alaska that can provide financial assistance include the Heating Assistance Program (HAP), the CAMA program for medical assistance for specific illnesses, and the General Relief Assistance (GRA) program for those facing extreme financial crises. Additionally, nonprofit organizations like Money Fit can help Alaska residents find solutions to their debt and provide resources for food, housing, utilities, and healthcare.
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Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
In Alaska, there are a variety of health insurance options, including ACA individual and family plans, Medicare, and Medicaid. Two private health insurance companies, Moda and Premera, offer plans on Alaska's federally-run HealthCare.gov Marketplace platform.
Accident Insurance provides cash benefits to help cover medical expenses and out-of-pocket costs resulting from an injury or accident. This can include payments for qualifying medical bills, hospital stays, and other related expenses.
Critical Illness Insurance covers a range of serious illnesses, including cancer, heart attack, kidney failure, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and major organ transplants. It pays a cash benefit upon diagnosis, helping individuals and families cover essential services and bills during recovery.
Hospital Indemnity Insurance provides financial support for hospital stays, including cash benefits for each day in the hospital. This coverage can be used for a variety of expenses, including deductibles, coinsurance, medications, and other qualified costs. It is particularly valuable for individuals with chronic health conditions or a family history of serious illness, as well as for those facing hospitalisation due to planned procedures or pregnancy.
These supplemental insurance plans can be purchased individually or through an employer, depending on the specific plan and provider. They offer peace of mind and financial assistance to help individuals and families manage the unexpected costs associated with accidents, critical illnesses, or extended hospital stays.
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Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans
In Alaska, there are several health insurance coverage options, including individual and family plans, small-group, short-term, Medicare, and Medicaid. As of 2024, there were no individual Medicare Advantage plans available in Alaska, although some employers, including the Alaska state government, offer group Medicare Advantage plans for retirees.
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are not currently available in Alaska. However, eligible older adults can enrol in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and Medicare Supplement plans. Part A covers hospital-related expenses, while Part B covers other medical expenses, medically necessary services, outpatient care, home health services, and durable medical equipment.
Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, are used to supplement Original Medicare and cover some or all of the out-of-pocket costs, such as coinsurance and deductibles, that people would otherwise incur with Original Medicare alone. Medigap plans are standardized under federal rules, so the benefits they provide do not vary from insurer to insurer or state to state, except for three states with waivers. In Alaska, Medigap insurance companies offer 10 standardized plan options, identified by the letters A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N.
Short-term health insurance plans are also available in Alaska, providing temporary coverage for those without comprehensive insurance. These plans are not required to comply with certain federal market requirements for health insurance, so it is important to carefully review the policy for any exclusions or limitations.
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Health insurance rates in Alaska
The cost of health insurance in Alaska for 2025 has increased by 15% compared to 2024. The monthly cost for a 40-year-old varies depending on the chosen plan tier: Bronze, Silver, or Gold. Bronze plans have the lowest monthly rates, costing an average of $721 per month, but they also contribute the least to medical bills. Silver plans are more expensive than Bronze but offer better coverage, and Gold plans provide the highest level of coverage. A couple with two young children pays an average of $3,094 per month for a Gold plan, while children aged 14 and under are charged a fixed rate of $579 per month.
Most people in Alaska do not pay the full price for health insurance due to subsidies and discounts. Over 85% of enrollees on HealthCare.gov receive subsidies, and those who qualify for Medicaid can obtain free or very low-cost health insurance. To be eligible for Medicaid in Alaska, an individual must earn about $26,000 or less per year, while a family of four should earn less than approximately $54,000 annually. For those who do not qualify for Medicaid, subsidies are available to make Bronze, Silver, or Gold plans more affordable.
In addition to the standard health insurance plans, Alaska offers short-term health insurance plans for individuals who need temporary coverage. These plans are available through private companies and can be a good option for those who are between jobs, new college graduates, or experiencing other life changes. Supplemental plans for dental, vision, accident insurance, and more are also available to meet specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two private health insurance companies in Alaska: Moda and Premera.
Health insurance in Alaska costs an average of $968 per month at full price, but this can be as low as $122 per month with income-based discounts.
Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield sells the best health insurance in Alaska. They have excellent customer service and give you access to a large network of doctors and hospitals. Moda, on the other hand, has cheaper Gold plans but their customer service is not as good.
